Clarissa is a novel by English author Samuel Richardson, first published in 1748. It tells the story of a young woman named Clarissa Harlowe who is forced into a loveless marriage by her family. She struggles to assert her independence and maintain her virtue in the face of societal pressures and the manipulations of her suitor, Lovelace.
The novel is written in the form of letters exchanged between the characters, giving the reader an intimate look into their thoughts and emotions. Clarissa is considered one of the earliest examples of the epistolary novel and is praised for its psychological depth and moral complexity.
Throughout the novel, Clarissa grapples with questions of virtue, honor, and the nature of love. Her tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked passion and the importance of staying true to oneself.